See a doctor if you’re worried – Shaun shares his story this Male Cancer Awareness Week

Shaun describes how a hospital passport can help people with a learning disability get the reasonable adjustments they need at appointments and during treatment. In the film, he urges men to go to the doctors if they are worried about anything.

Shaun and the nurses describe how using a hospital passport means Shaun gets the reasonable adjustments he needs, staff know what medication he takes and he knows when future hospital appointments are, so he doesn’t miss anything.   

He tells his story because he wants people to know that they shouldn’t be scared. “Go to the doctors and take someone with you if it will help.”

Male Cancer Awareness Week is an annual campaign raising awareness about prostate, testicular and penile cancers, encouraging early detection and breaking down stigma surrounding male health issues.

Organised by the charity Orchid, the week focuses on educating men and the wider public about the importance of early detection, the signs and symptoms of these cancers, and the need for regular check-ups.

The campaign also aims to break down the stigma surrounding male cancers and encourages men to take an active role in their health and seek medical advice if they notice any unusual changes.

Male Cancer Awareness Week reminds us that men need to look after their health too. Prostate, testicular and penile cancers affect thousands of men each year. Regular check-ups and knowing the signs can make all the difference.

YouTube link to video here: The Health & Care Passport Supporting Shaun’s Cancer Journey - YouTube

Here are some resources aimed at people with a learning disability and autistic people. 

Prostate

Easy read

• Symptoms-of-prostate-cancer (suffolkordinarylives.co.uk)
• Find-out-about-your-prostate
• Symptoms of prostate cancer (macmillan.org.uk)
• Treatments_for_prostate_cancer (macmillan.co.uk)

Testicular

Easy read

• How to check your balls (testicles)
• A Guide to checking your balls (testes) (scot.nhs.uk)
• Testicular Cancer Resources | Thera Trust

General cancer resources

Easy read

• Cancer information and support from Macmillan
• Information About Cancer and Cancer Screening from Mencap
• Resources about cancer for people with learning disabilities from Cancer Research UK
• Easy read booklets from Marie Curie UK
• Books beyond words - Cancer series

Films

• Be Cancer Aware - https://youtu.be/IaL-RcyQ9Vs  
• Northern Cancer Alliance – Be cancer aware - https://youtu.be/9YR8E01CXas
• Northern Cancer Alliance – Signs to look out for - https://youtu.be/IaL-RcyQ9Vs